The Teachings of Don Juan #9

The Art of Dreaming

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After six years of study and meditation, the author presents a book which takes the reader on a journey of the soul via the teachings of the great sorcerer, Don Juan. Like layers of an onion, the author reveals that there are worlds existing within our own that can be visited through dreams.

260 pages, Paperback

First published December 1,1993

About the author

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Carlos Castaneda was an Latin-American author.
Starting with The Teachings of Don Juan in 1968, Castaneda wrote a series of books that describe his training in shamanism, particularly with a group whose lineage descended from the Toltecs.
The books, narrated in the first person, relate his experiences under the tutelage of a man that Castaneda claimed was a Yaqui "Man of Knowledge" named don Juan Matus. His 12 books have sold more than 28 million copies in 17 languages.
Critics have suggested that they are works of fiction; supporters claim the books are either true or at least valuable works of philosophy.

Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 98 votes)
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98 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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I am a lucid dreamer and have had a few Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs). This unique ability has made my perception of the dream world and reality quite different.

Recently, I came across a book that truly captivated my interest. It delved deep into the mysteries of lucid dreaming and OBEs, providing valuable insights and techniques.

As I read through the pages, I found myself nodding in agreement and excitement. The author's descriptions and personal accounts were so vivid that I could almost feel myself experiencing those dreams and OBEs along with them.

The book not only enhanced my understanding of my own experiences but also gave me new perspectives and ideas. It inspired me to explore the dream world even further and to continue my journey of self-discovery through lucid dreaming and OBEs.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the fascinating realm of lucid dreaming and OBEs. It is a must-read for all those who seek to expand their consciousness and explore the unknown.
July 15,2025
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I still vividly remember the moment when I was completely amazed by the Director's splendid imagination while watching the movie Inception many years ago. The movie took me on a mind-bending journey through different levels of dreams and reality, leaving me in awe of the Director's creativity.


Now, after all these years, I finally know where his inspirations came from. It turns out that the Director drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including his own dreams, scientific research on the human mind, and works of literature and art.


By combining these elements, he was able to create a truly unique and captivating movie that has become a classic in the science fiction genre. Inception not only entertained audiences but also made them think about the nature of reality and the power of the human imagination.

July 15,2025
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This book was not for me.

It failed to capture my interest from the very beginning. The story seemed to lack a clear direction, and the characters were not developed enough to make me care about them.

The writing style was also rather平淡, lacking the vividness and excitement that I look for in a good book. I found myself constantly skimming through the pages, hoping to find something that would engage me, but unfortunately, it never happened.

Perhaps this book is better suited for someone else with different tastes and interests. However, for me, it was a disappointment and I would not recommend it to others.
July 15,2025
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It is really very cool. Maybe this is my second or third favorite in the series that I have now completed by the way! "A Separate Reality" is my absolute favorite, but this one is also quite interesting. It makes one imagine that the universe is composed of energy and uses dreaming as a means to explore different energies and worlds or realities. Just imagining such a concept is truly fascinating. I really wish that I could learn such an amazing technique. It would be like opening a door to countless possibilities and adventures. To be able to enter different realms through the power of dreams and discover the mysteries of the universe's energy would be an experience beyond compare. I can only dream (no pun intended) of one day being able to master such a skill and embark on my own journey of exploration.

July 15,2025
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I am fully aware that all of this is just fictional, yet I truly desire it to be the truth.

The explanations regarding how dreaming has the potential to transport you to other dimensions are incredibly alluring.

What an extraordinary journey it would be.

This is, without a doubt, the best Castaneda book I have read up to this point. However, I seem to say that after reading every single one of his works.

It's as if each new book offers a unique and captivating perspective that leaves me in awe.

The idea of being able to access different dimensions through the power of dreams is both fascinating and mysterious.

It makes me wonder about the true nature of our consciousness and the hidden realms that may exist beyond our physical reality.

Castaneda's writing has a way of drawing the reader in and making them believe in the impossible.

His vivid descriptions and detailed accounts of these otherworldly experiences make it easy to get lost in the pages of his books.

Whether it's through the eyes of his characters or his own personal anecdotes, Castaneda manages to create a world that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in exploring the boundaries of their imagination and delving into the realm of the unknown.

July 15,2025
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There are only a limited number of books that I don't mind reading again. As the name of the book suggests, it is about dreams and the wonders of this world. I have done the basic teachings and apparently it was correct.

In general, in both Islamic and Shamanic traditions, a lot of attention is paid to dreams. (For example, the Arda Viraf Namag, which is one of the important books of the Zoroastrians, is the result of Arda Viraf's dream.)

This book not only provides interesting insights into the nature of dreams but also offers practical guidance on how to interpret and make the most of them. It delves into the different types of dreams, their meanings, and how they can be used to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Whether you are a believer in a particular spiritual tradition or simply interested in exploring the mysteries of the human mind, this book is definitely worth a read. It may just open your eyes to a whole new world of possibilities and help you to discover the hidden wisdom that lies within your dreams.
July 15,2025
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The one that begins to tell the difference between the real world and the one which has no form is often a moment of great significance.

In the real world, we can touch, feel, and experience the tangible. We see the colors, hear the sounds, and smell the scents that surround us. It is a world filled with substance and reality.

On the other hand, the world which has no form exists in our imagination and dreams. It is a realm of limitless possibilities, where anything can happen.

Learning to distinguish between these two worlds is essential for our growth and development. It helps us to understand the boundaries of what is real and what is not.

By being able to tell the difference, we can make more informed decisions, pursue our goals with greater clarity, and live a more fulfilling life.

So, let us all strive to be more aware of the differences between the real world and the one which has no form, and use this knowledge to our advantage.
July 15,2025
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This is truly one of the most peculiar books I have ever come across.

I'm still not entirely certain how to interpret it, yet I thoroughly relished the entire reading experience.

It was as if I was participating in someone else's psychedelic adventure. What Castaneda presents as the truth of his experience is so incredibly far beyond everything I have read regarding lucid dreaming, spirituality, and mysticism.

At times, I had to pause and double-check if I was indeed reading a work of fiction.

This was the very first book of his that I have read. I impulsively picked it up from the library, completely unaware of what I was about to embark upon.

The journey through these pages has been both mind-boggling and captivating, leaving me with a sense of wonder and a desire to explore more of Castaneda's unique perspective.

It's a book that challenges our conventional understanding of reality and forces us to question what we think we know about the spiritual and mystical realms.

Overall, it's been a fascinating read that I'm sure will stay with me for a long time to come.

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